At the mausoleum, Nina's scared - Chris and Heather won't be able to protect him behind bars. Paul knows she's thinking of her stolen son too (who's birthday it is today). It'd be so different if Chance's brother hadn't been kidnapped, Nina sniffles.

On the CL's patio, Chris also acknowledges Malloy's birthday. For obvious reasons, it's hardly a date she'll forget. For the sake of the investigation, Malloy wants to keep it quiet - plus, he hates birthday's. Actually, Chris is thinking of Nina. When Heather arrives to fret over Chance - and defend him, Malloy doubts he'll make it out in one piece.

In the jail's dayroom, the inmates watch Chloe and Chance's visit. No matter what he told her, Chloe doesn't believe he sells or does drugs. If he won't accept bail, why not go into solitary confinement. Eyeing the inmates, Chance needs to be in the general population - can't score when you're in the hole. Chloe goes on about his innocence - until Chance shows her the envelope of white powder.

In their suite, Malcolm and Sophia are butting heads over their new home. She wants a condo - he a house with a yard (and a garage/studio). How about that townhouse? No - Sophia's heart is set on the sleek condo. The increasingly loud argument ends when Sophia rushes out to meet Tucker.

Downstairs, Neil grumbles about Sophia's tardiness. Tucker claims she's 'the best' at what she does. Neil then talks of the latest cosmetics trades (which predict Beauty of Nature will have record sales). Tucker confides what he and Ashley discovered. Yes, they have proof - a smoking gun. Ignoring Sophia's arrival (and apologies), Neil concludes that he's trying to take Beauty of Nature from Victor.

At the ranch, Victor insists the reluctant Mike arrange a meeting with the Dept. of Justice (regarding Tucker's accusations). Enter Meggie and Nikki (chuckling about their heroics). Why so chummy? Victor's then told of the attack (and that Nikki saved her life).

Still in the dayroom, Chloe asks to see 'that' again (and can't believe he'd put that in his nose or arm). Chance admits he's there to find answers - the drugs are just a show (evidence that Chloe's to take and put somewhere safe). No, no - she won't do it (help get himself killed).

On the patio, Heather arrives whining to tell Chance the truth - but Malloy won't jeopardize the investigation (so close to learning who's running the show). Chance flies off the handle - he'll get us all killed. When Chris agrees to wait, Heather's off to plead with Chance again (but will keep her mouth shut). Now alone, Chris understands why Heather's torn. It's killing HER not to confide in Nina (that Malloy's her son). She's never been a mother to me, Malloy snarls (which almost makes Chris believe he's as heartless as he sounds).

Meanwhile, at the mausoleum, Nina's beating herself up about not looking harder for her son. Paul rehashes the investigation (which lead to dead ends). Damn Rose DeVille - that bitch (who tricked Nina into letting her hold a baby she thought was hers). Perhaps Paul can track down the mother of that baby girl. What if he was abused? He could have had wonderful parents, Paul counters (and look at how terrific Heather turned out - without HIM). Her son's smart and resilient - like his Mom, Paul assures.

Nikki and the grateful Meggie relay their heroics to Victor - Shaw was hauled off in handcuffs. Meggie's sorry for being so much trouble - and spending all Victor's money at Fenmore's. She'll get a job and pay back every penny. The Newman's worry that Shaw's pals will come looking for her - she'll work at the ranch. Delighted, Meggie will do anything - housekeeping - clean stables. Now alone, Victor marvels at the bravery and kindness of Nikki (who'll hire Meggie as her 'assistant'). Mike returns - the DOJ rep will meet them at the club - now. Be careful Nikki jokes - she won't be there to protect Victor.

At the club, Neil knows that acquiring B of N would give Tucker the biggest cosmetics company on the planet - but he's underestimating Victor. No - Sophia thinks HE'S underestimating Tucker. B of N is successful - and Vikki's pet project. It'd be the last company he'd give up. Neil KNOWS Victor - family is everything to him. If Tucker's serious, be prepared for all out war.

In a surveillance van, Meeks and Malloy are on a stake out (discussing how Heather 'bolted') Meeks implies that Chance is a dirty cop (flashing back to telling an inmate that he'll die with drugs on him). Malloy gets a text (which he claims is personal). Meeks gets a call (which is also personal).

With Chance out of his cell, two inmates hurry in to change his light bulb (this one filled with gas - once he screws it in, it'll be 'bye bye cop').

As summoned, Malloy meets Chloe on the CL's patio. She wonders why he's so worried about Chance (a man he hardly knows). Cops protect their own, Malloy says - plus, he won't find anything inside. He already has - and asked Chloe to get them out (which she refused to do). What to do? Not we - Chloe (she's to go get the stuff). Sure, he cheated - but if she cares about Chance, she'll do it.

Meanwhile, Chance is trying to convince Heather to smuggle the drugs out. Refusing, she seems about to spill her guts (but flashing back to Malloy's warning not to, says 'never mind' - and takes the drugs).

Bringing down her purchases, Meggie's off to return them. But no - Nikki wants her to look her best (if she's working for her). It'd be an honour (over mucking stalls), Meggie agrees (and takes Nikki's list of charities and civic projects she's to call on - and coordinate Nikki's schedule). Meggie thanks her - she can handle it. If this doesn't work out, Nikki will find something else.

Neil likens Victor to a tank - he'll roll over anyone who gets in his way. Sophia declares Neil's inside knowledge of Victor could be THEIR advantage. No - count Neil OUT. It's not his battle - he works for CI. And as Neil goes on about them jeopardizing CI, Malcolm rounds the corner. If Neil's done harassing his fiance, he'd like to talk to her. As Victor strolls by, Neil's left to point out that the man with him and Mike is the DOJ official. What does Neil think he's up to? Trying to end the war before it begins. Bingo, Tucker agrees.

As Malcolm and Sophia again discuss the luxury condo she wants, Malcolm thinks she better get back to her boss. Sophia looks over (as Victor talks to the DOJ official). He knows the antique gun might look like a bribe - but it was a gift for an old friend. As Mike hands over his 'written explanation', Victor offers to assume responsibility however the rep sees fit. Across the room, Neil and Sophia chat (while Tucker stares at Victor).

As Chance is about to screw in his light bulb, the guard saunters over to say he's been sprung. Huh? Chance refused bail - and won't leave. The guard calls for back up - to deal with this 'nut case'.

In the hallway, Chloe and Heather's bickering comes to a screeching halt (complete with explosion and smoke). As Chance staggers out, Heather's all over him - thank God you're all right. A befuddled Chance looks up to spot Chloe (as she leaves).

Nina THOUGHT she knew how much she meant to Paul (who again tells her he's left Chris in the past. It IS over - it's you and me, he insists - he's in the present with both feet - AND yes, his lips. Ding dong - Chris arrives - is Paul here? Welcomed inside, Chris updates - the Feds authorized Chance's release - but there was an explosion at the jail. As Nina dissolves into tears (in Paul's arms), all can only hope he was released in time.

As Paul's on hold - and Nina's anxious to leave, Chance arrives with Heather (for a smothering hug from his relieved Mom). Yes - the explosion was meant for Chance (which means people are nervous - and that he's on the right track). Leave this alone, Nina and Chris implore (and as Chance heads upstairs), Nina and Chris again remember her kidnapped baby. Paul's following leads that came in after Nina's book (A Cry In Thin Air) was published. It's a long shot - but nothing's impossible, Paul says. Don't go away, Chris bolts from the puzzled trio.

At Jimmy's, Chloe gets a call from Chance. No - she won't come home - he can come to Jimmy's. Chance can't leave his Mom (on her kidnapped son's birthday). Suit yourself ~click~ No, everything's NOT alright, he snaps at Heather (who's just fine not talking about 'it').

Oh look - Malloy's at Jimmy's (to hear about the explosion from Chloe). She regrets just standing there (pushing that tramp into her fiance's arms). Declining advice (in favour of a pity party), Chloe realizes, thanks to Malloy's driver's license, that it's his birthday.

Back at the ranch, Nikki's impressed that Meggie's already done making all those calls. And here's a print out of Meggie's notes - and a calendar of Nikki's meetings. Megs wasn't always a bar tender don'tcha know. Nikki thinks this'll work out fine - just fine.

While Malcolm's upstairs - calling to rent the luxury condo, Sophia's downstairs (working with Tucker to get Neil onboard with the merger of BoN and Jabot). Neil thinks they're dreaming - and CAN'T help (as he feels indebted to Victor). It's just business, Tucker claims. Nothing is just business, Neil and Sophia say in unison. Finally - something they agree on. Victor saunters over - to inform that the DOJ are very understanding about that little gun mix up. Tucker doesn't care if he gets off the hook - he'll still get BoN. Mike has no doubt they'll try (as both men stroll out).

How can Chance be so sure the drugs Heather now has hidden in her office came from the stations evidence room? Because of the tape residue. Chance is going back in. Yes, Heather has a better idea - have Owen set up a sting operation.

Meeks and Owen are in the surveillance van (to discuss Chance being released). What does Owen want? What he ordered - this time make sure your men get it right.

While Paul promises to continue looking for Nina's boy, Chris comes out with 3 cupcakes, one with a candle. Nina's 'good friend' encourages her to blow out the candle and make a wish - wherever 'he' is - he'll feel Nina's love - and one day they'll find one another.

At Jimmy's, Chloe finds it weird that Malloy's birthday is ... very close to hers. Let's celebrate.

Next: At the Kansas farm, Hope weeps as Adam throws a bag over his shoulder - You're a good man - and I know you'll make me very, very proud ... We have an arrangement Adam, Skye reminds - your name my money - and you're not backing out of that ... In court, Adam and Vance stand to hear the Judge's decision.

My Thoughts: LOL - oh yeah - Heather's 'good' - evading a 'pro' like Meeks (who didn't notice her leaving because his nose was 'in a book' - maybe he was reading Nina's book - a Cry In Thin Air .... WTH would Nikki Newman need an assistant? Hasn't she survived 50 decades without one - planning her own busy schedule? Even during her brief stints as CEO, she didn't have an assistant ... If Paul claims that everyone did everything they could back then - why is he so sure they can find Nina's boy now? 25+ years later? ... Yes - look how terrific Heather turned out (dating a playboy - a psychotic who dumped her for another man - then having casual sex with an engaged man). She's terrific alright .... The department has pumped lots of money into this investigation? Where? Paying Heather's rent in an apartment with no AC? ... I bet the Hightower investigation's cost more (12 hour traces of pens to Dubai - and hankie's to London's Seville Row) ... Of course TGVN can arrange an immediate meeting with the Department of Justice - and of course they'd meet to discuss bribery in a very public place. You'd think they'd at least seek the privacy of the Founders Room .... Ohhhh - what a twist - the DA's the one 'running the show' - the righteous crusader of justice - the foe of those evil and 'entitled' Newman's ... Me thinks this could really effect his chance of re-election. Only mildly interesting question is, will Chance leapfrog into the role of DA (just as he did his Detective position)? Or will it go to Heather (who's not successfully prosecuted a case in eons - if ever) ... Initially I wondered why on earth a DA would involve himself in drug sales (but then I remembered how many times they've whined about budget cuts and low salaries). That said, maybe Owen needs to live within his means - budget like the rest of us - maybe cut back on the tailored suits ... The bad guys Chance is dealing with will 'eat him for breakfast'? Or at least make communal shower time a bit nerve wracking. But really, considering how much everyone's whining that Chance (as a cop) is in danger behind bars, there really doesn't seem to be anything for him to worry about. Even with access to light bulbs (which you'd think would make a handy 'shank'), no one seems to be threatening him. Yeah - Chloe's seen the way they're looking at Chance - but looks CAN'T kill ... The guards don't even spot the most obvious passing of drugs - shouldn't Chloe or Heather be asked to swallow a balloon or sumthin? ... Sophia would die of boredom in the suburbs of GC? Doesn't she know that even the most remote country estates are a 10 minute drive into the heart of town? You don't see those living at the ranch or mausoleum (which is 80% of the town) complaining of being bored - or having trouble getting into town .. Initially, I liked the no nonsense Sophia - and Malcolm - until today (now she may as well have a whip holstered on her belt - and Malcolm may as well say 'meow'